Complications of Genital Piercings

Abstract

Currently, when complications arise with their genital piercings, men and women are more likely to seek nonmedical advice from the Internet or a piercer rather than a trained healthcare provider.This is in part due to lack of confidence in clinician knowledge regarding piercings and fear of being told to immediately remove the piercing when this may not be necessary [5,6].These apprehensions place men and women at a higher risk for delays in receiving appropriate medical care for piercing-related complications [4].Body piercing is a largely unregulated industry in the United States [8].Existing legislation varies considerably by state, as there is no federal mandate regulating body art [5].Piercers are generally unlicensed, and many of the techniques are self-taught or learned as "hands on" apprenticeships [9].The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) has a health, safety, and education web page that can be accessed at: http:// www.safepiercing.org.This resource provides information and links to sites addressing anatomy, infection control, and governmental sites related to health and safety, disease prevention, and health and human services [7].Piercing of the female genitalia remains controversial as the WHO has defined four types of female genital mutilation (FGM): Type IV includes 'pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia', therefore it is argued that a person performing female genital piercing could be guilty of Type IV FGM even though the services are sought out and requested by the woman [2].Despite these considerations, many women still have their genitals pierced. Motivations for Genital PiercingsWhile lay literature generally portrays genital piercings as a source of sexual pleasure and aesthetic satisfaction for those who possess them, medical publications have historically painted discriminatory pictures

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